Scala Release 5.1 includes close to 100 new transition effects and a new user interface for choosing them. It also provides a list of the most recently selected transitions. The new “Transition Visualizer” shows the user a real-time preview of the effects as they are selected. With so many high-quality, built-in 3-D effects, choosing the right transition is simple.

A new scheme for “player pairing” has been implemented in the new release Bridge Server for IAdea Media Appliances. A simple four-digit code is all that is needed to connect a low-cost media appliance to a Scala network. This is supported on IAdea High Definition Players, IAdea Standard Definition Players and IAdea Wireless Photo Frames.

Scala also has improved its built-in template support to allow users to select an audio file in a templated message. Release 5.1 also features improved Web services for real-time data integration of playlogs with third-party systems and JPEG thumbnails of any media item or message in any resolution. Player Disk Space Management has also been added to support the new class of low-cost, solid-state players such as those built into many of the newest Samsung LCD monitors. Release 5.1 is expected to ship before the end of Q1.

“The flexibility of Scala software makes it an ideal component of virtually any type of dynamic digital signage network,” said Robert Koolen, President of Scala. “With Scala 5.1, we can provide end users with a more robust software solution that is compatible with the latest Windows technology for seamless digital signage development and management.”